FJ Strobes Are Not turning On / Batteries Not ChargingUpdated a month ago
When working with the FJ Wireless system, ensuring proper functionality and connectivity is essential for a seamless shooting experience. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting steps with your FJ strobes.
By following these steps, you can quickly identify and resolve any challenges, helping you maintain consistent performance across your FJ Wireless Strobes. This comprehensive guide is designed to educate and assist you with your FJ Wireless gear.
Topics on this page:
1. Check the Power Source
- Only use the supplied charging cords included with your strobe when charging. Sending the wrong voltage could cause long-term or permanent damage.
- Try a different outlet or power source to confirm the power source is not the issue.
2. Check The Battery
Be sure the battery is fully charged and is charging correctly.
LED Battery Status Indicators
FJ400, FJ400ii, FJ800
- The AC Power Adapter & Cord Will be RED when charging and GREEN when idle.
- Press the Battery Status Button located on the removable battery to check the remaining charge capacity. Illuminated LED Indicators reflect the following:
- 4 lights: 100% ~ 75%
- 3 lights: 74% ~ 50%
- 2 lights: 49% ~ 25%
- 1 light: 24% ~ 0%
- 0 lights: 0%
FJ200
- Solid Red & Solid Green Indicator LEDs
- No Battery Inserted:
The charger is plugged into a power outlet and ready to charge the FJ200 Li-po Battery. - Battery Inserted:
The FJ200 Battery is fully charged and ready to be removed from the charger.
- No Battery Inserted:
- Solid Red & Blinking Green Indicator LEDs
- Battery Inserted: The FJ200 Battery is successfully docked and charged.
3. Charging & Life Expectancy
It is important to use the dedicated charging cord and power supply that is supplied with the unit. Not doing and sending the wrong voltage could cause long-term or permanent damage.
Charging & Life Expectancy
- The FJ Pro and ProMax Lithium-ion Batteries require an average of 1.5 hours (FJ Pro) & 3 hours (FJ ProMax) to fully charge from a discharged state.
- The FJ Pro and ProMax Batteries
- Avoid charging or using the battery outside the recommended operating temperature range of 32–113°F (0–45°C), as this may affect both the battery and strobe functionality
- For long-term storage, maintain battery health by storing it at approximately 75% capacity (indicated by three indicator lights) in a dry, room-temperature environment. If the battery is not in use, recharge it to this level at least every three months to preserve its longevity.
FJ400 Charging & Life Expectancy
- The average charge time is 2.5 hours from complete discharge.
- The FJ400 Lithium-Polymer Battery (14.8V 65Wh, 4400mAh) will achieve at least 300 complete charge cycles. Continued usage beyond the expected charge cycles will result in diminished performance and the ability to hold a charge.
- Avoid charging and using the battery outside of the stated operating temperatures (32~104°F / 0~40°C) as it will affect the overall performance of the battery and strobe.
- Preserve the longevity of the battery by storing at roughly ~75% capacity (3 indicator lights) at room temperature in a dry environment and recharge to this capacity at least every 3 months when not being used.
FJ200 Charging & Life Expectancy
- The average charge time is 2 hours from complete discharge.
- The FJ200 Lithium-Polymer Battery (14.8V 37Wh, 2500mAh) will achieve at least 300 complete charge cycles (@80% after 300). Continued usage beyond the expected charge cycles will result in diminished performance and the ability to hold a charge.
- Avoid charging and using the battery outside of the stated operating temperatures 50~113°F / 10~45°C as it will affect the overall performance of the battery and strobe.
- Preserve the battery’s longevity by storing at roughly ~75% capacity (3 indicator lights) at room temperature in a dry environment and recharge to this capacity at least every three months when not being used.
4. Reinstall firmware
In some cases, firmware can be uploaded to your unit with an error causing odd issues like the screen powering on but the unit does nothing.
- Delete any downloaded firmware on your computer
- restart your computer
- redownload the current firmware version and follow firmware installations as instructed.
- Eject the connected unit before unplugging it.
- Power on the unit.
Contact Westcott Support if you find your battery or charger is not operating normally after considering the information above. After or near 300 charge cycles or repeated events of charging outside of recommended temperatures or voltages, consider replacing your battery.